Moving off-campus for the first time comes with its own bundle of emotions. You’re happy, scared, excited, nervous, maybe you’re hungry, we can’t guess everything you’re feeling. But we do know is that it’s always a struggle to find the right first landlord. No need to fear, (or stress eat) Rent College Pads is here. We searched far and wide looking for the top five rated landlords that provide MSU off-campus housing.

Properties around the Michigan State campus have accumulated tons of reviews on Google. Many other students who once were searching for MSU off-campus housing have taken the time to help you by raving about their landlords. How thoughtful of them.

1.) DTN Management Company (Average Rating: 4.4)

With almost 250 reviews DTN Management still pulls through with a whopping 4.4-star rating on Google. A landlord with that sort of approval rating across that many student reviews is basically a . Think about it. When do most students leave reviews? When it comes to rating landlords, most people don’t feel the need to rate unless they’ve had a bad experience. So, when a company gets extremely high ratings with an intense volume of people rating, it’s truly impressive. They definitely must be doing something right when it comes to MSU off-campus housing.

DTN seems to recognize that sometimes students are looking for very specific housing, and they will help you find the right place. They have 80 apartment complexes near Michigan State for students to choose from, so it’s likely that you’ll find an amazing place and love your time living there.

Our favorite review:

“My experience with the DTN Management Company has been great! The manager was extremely personable and helpful with dealing with my housing situation. She really got to understand what was going on and built a great relationship with my parent and myself throughout the process. They were willing to meet with my roommate and I anytime we needed and were more than willing to help in any way. It was obvious they handle housing citations everyday and maintain helpful, positive attitudes.”

2.) Arbor Forest Apartments LLC (Average Rating: 3.9)

Arbor Forest Apartments is in an excellent location, especially for Michigan State students. People like it because of its location, pool, and lovely landscapes. There is a staff working at the Arbor Forest Apartments so you know that if you’re a tenant with needs, they’ll get responded to very quickly.

Our favorite review:

“Very nice place, I really like it!”

3.) Hunter’s Ridge Apartments (Average Rating: 3.4)

Hunter’s Ridge Apartments has a nice, quiet energy to it. These relaxing apartments offer lots of amenities including a social lounge, an outdoor pool, whirlpool, and a 24-hour fitness center. Residents of these gorgeous apartments seem to like the fact that the building’s now pet-friendly! So many students have pets and have trouble finding a place that can accommodate their pet.

Our favorite review:

“This apartment is very private, not like other apartment complexes. You have your own private entry and the rooms are huge. There’s a pool and a small room to workout in. Staff is on call 24/7 for issues, and it’s very pleasant. It’s quiet and very family friendly. I love it here.”

4.) Campus Village (Average Rating: 3.4)

Campus Village is specifically dedicated to students so they have many amenities that students will love. Amenities like, a yoga room and community grilling area, study room, student lounge, computer lab and printing area, TANNING BED, and they’re right next to the MSU bus line. Honestly, these amenities are insane, and it’s no wonder why students love living here. Campus Village wants the students who reside there to feel like they’re not just living there, but more like they’re a part of the buildings student community. They offer one through five bedroom apartments within a short walking distance to Michigan State. We’re sure you’ll find whatever you are looking for here at the Campus Village!

Our favorite review:

“LOVE CAMPUS VILLAGE!!! Happy about the new bikes 🙂 and obviously the staff is phenomenal!”

5.) Block 36 (Average Rating: 3.4)

Block 36 is another apartment complex specifically dedicated to students. They’ve also got tons of amenities that students will love like a heated pool, hot tub, 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour computer lab with FREE printing, sand volleyball, basketball court, social lounge, outdoor lounge areas, weekly resident events, and they’re close to the MSU bus line.

Block 36 is also more like a student community rather than just another place to live. They bring their residents together with events that all residents can attend. Block 36 is a great place to live while attending Michigan State.

Our favorite review:

“I have lived here for 2 years now and I think that this is one of the best places in East Lansing. You can’t beat the price, given that you have your own bedroom and bathroom plus everything else that comes with the rent. I would definitely recommend this complex to one of my friends to live at if they ever asked me for advice or suggestions. Specifically, Block 36 really likes to get involved with its residents by hosting a variety of events that includes an annual NCAA bracket challenge, cookouts, and even pool parties.’’

Callie Kollenbroich has been the Operations Coordinator and Content Writer/Editor at Rent College Pads since 2015. When she’s not working, you can find her at home, eating peanut butter out of the jar and bingeing an unhealthy amount of Forensic Files. She’s not as lame as she sounds.